Yea or Nay? Botox in Your 20s

No doubt about it, Botox is everywhere! Most every magazine, newspaper, blog, and television show – as well as coworkers, family, and friends – have an opinion on the famous wrinkle-reducing injectable. Some people love it and some judge anyone they think has finally given into vanity, having a treatment.

Regardless of the sometimes positive, sometimes negative feedback, Botox is the most popular nonsurgical cosmetic treatment around the world. This is for good reason, as the results from Botox are unmatched. Dynamic wrinkles around the eyes and forehead don’t stand a chance with Botox Cosmetic, at least for the three months after treatment.

However, do the virtues of Botox mean it makes good sense when you are still in your 20s, with very few wrinkles? Is the trend for early Botox simply a reaction, sending younger and younger women to the cosmetic surgeon without a good reason? Some practitioners vote “Yea” and some vote “Nay” on Botox for a twentysomething.

Those that say “Yea”

Many women have discovered that using Botox at a young age can help prevent wrinkles from forming, staving off early aging. By relaxing the area that cause wrinkles, and essentially training the muscles, wrinkles become less likely to form. Dr. Askari Townshend, founder of aesthetic clinic Askinology in London, explains it like this: “(Buying) a Ferrari…you take it to the garage on a regular basis, so they can keep it in tip-top condition, so in 10 years’ time, you still have a beautiful car. That’s the same with your skin.”

Aside from prevention, there are some that may actually need help with wrinkles earlier than others. For those who have spent years in the sun or smoking, they may have much older-looking skin at 30 than a another girl, who has taken tip-top care of her tissues. Additionally, some clients will have a ‘hypermobile’ face, meaning a lot of frowning, smiling, and raised eyebrows. The more active the facial expressions, the sooner dynamic wrinkles will form. Botox can dramatically improve these wrinkles, and even help to keep further creasing in the targeted tissue.

Those That Say “Nay”

Not everyone agrees that early Botox is best. Maryam Zamani, MD, a consultant at London’s Cadogan Clinic says, “I don’t really believe in having preventative toxin treatments.” Instead, she recommends a good skincare regime, including antioxidants like vitamins A and C, plus daily SPF, and topical peels that are rich in alpha-hydroxy acids. However, once obvious wrinkles start to form, then a treatment plan can be created to address problem areas.

Some practitioners question whether early Botox injections could actually damage the targeted facial muscles over time. While it is true that muscles can atrophy, or shrink, from decreased use, this is little concern with Botox. However, over-injecting Botox in the forehead or around the eyes (Crow’s Feet) has been known to cause tissues to drop or flatten early. It is important, to lessen the risk of over-injecting, that patients only put their trust in an experienced Botox provider.

The Bottom Line

No one ever really needs to get Botox, so the decision to have an injectible treatment is a very personal. Just remember, everyone’s skin ages at a different rate, so there is always a lot to consider when thinking about Botox in your 20s. The best advice: put your trust in a reputable aesthetic practice and a board certified plastic surgeon. In Houston, Mirror Mirror Beauty Boutique is the number one choice for innovative, noninvasive cosmetic treatments. Contact our office at 281.407.9549 to schedule your own, complimentary Botox consultation.